CBN Closes Out 46th Edition of Open Tennis Championship
Oru Leonard
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has drawn the curtain on the 46th edition of the Open Tennis Championships, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The event, which has become a staple in Nigeria’s sporting calendar, saw top tennis players compete for the coveted trophy.
The CBN has been acknowledged for its continued sponsorship of the championships, which has brought prestige to the sport of tennis and provided a platform for young talents to showcase their skills.
The collaboration between the CBN, Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF), and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has had a significant impact on the growth of tennis in Nigeria.
The event has provided a platform for young tennis players to develop their skills and showcase their talents, promoting a healthy lifestyle and empowering the youth.
The Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, honourably represented by the Director FEAD, Mrs Mbora Ikanna, who delivered the Çhairman and the Director General’s message, Hon. Bukola Olopade. Appreciated the CBN for their continued yearly sponsorship of the championships. This partnership has not only brought prestige to the sport of tennis but also provided a platform for the youth to showcase their talent and passion. This, in turn, has helped keep them off the streets. Steering them towards a more positive and productive path.
Chairman Dikko also commended the efforts of the Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) in organising the championship year after year. Their dedication and professionalism have been instrumental in the success of the event, and their hard work and commitment have not gone unnoticed.
“By creating an avenue for young talents to develop their skills, the NTF has played an important role in building a strong sporting culture in the country.
Dikko said the collaboration between the CBN, NTF, and the Tinubu administration has had a significant impact on the growth of tennis in Nigeria. The President’s support for grassroots development has been a driving force, and the efforts put in by the CBN and NTF have further amplified his vision. ” It is heartwarming to see that our leaders recognise the power of sports in empowering the youth and promoting a healthy lifestyle “. He added.
Hon. Bukola Olopade also commended that the 46th edition of the CBN-sponsored open Tennis Championships has been a resounding
success, and it would not have been possible without the support of the CBN, NTF, and the President’s administration.
Olopade went ahead to say that the event has not only provided a platform for young tennis players to showcase their skills, but it has also brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate our shared love for sports.
In the Address by the CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Micheal Cardoso who was represented by Mrs. Hamamatsu Sidi Ali, Acting Director Corporate Communications Department. Said that the CBN for the past four decades have remained the proud sponsor and firm believer of the power of sport, particularly Tennis, to shape lives, discover talents and build National unity. “Through this championship, we have seen you rig men and women rise from obscurity to become National and international champions, This enduring legacy is one we cherish deeply”. He commended.
Mr Michael said, in furtherance of our vision, the CBN Junior Tennis Tournament was launched in 2006 to serve as a nursery for grooming young talents who would graduate to this prestigious Senior Open. ” I am pleased to note that some of today’s Senior finalists were once champions in the Junior stage, a true testament to the value of continued investment in youth.
The CBN Governor intimated that beyond the court, the CBN remained passionate about the holistic development of Nigerian youth. “We recognised sports as a powerful platform not just for entertainment but for empowerment, engagement and natural integration”. He added that on behalf of CBN, “I reaffirm our commitment to nurturing talent, promoting excellence nd supporting initiatives that foster unity and development”.
Speaking earlier, the President of the Nigerian Tennis Federation Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju appreciated everyone who came to the closing ceremony of the 46th edition of the CBN-sponsored Open Tennis Championships. Specially acknowledged the CBN for their immense contribution to the development of the youths in Nigeria through tennis sports, for their invaluable partnership. We missed the two years that they didn’t show up, but I promise, he said, that we will not let them go for that long anymore.
Akindoju also recognised the media for their consistent and widespread coverage of the event, ” your role in promoting the game and amplifying its impact cannot be overstated”.
He congratulated the newly emerged champions, ” wear your titles with pride and let them propel you to greater heights. To those who didn’t win today, remember that every setback is a setup for a stronger comeback”, so keep striving, he opined.
In the women’s double, Aina Goodnews and Favour Moses won by 6/3 6/3 against Anuna Blessing and Ekpenyong Rebecca.
And in the women’s singles, Adesuwa Osabuohien won with 6/1 7/5 against Emmanuel Essienawan.
While in the Men’s double, Canice Abua and Emmanuel Micheal won with 6/4 6/0 against Otu Thomas and Yusuf Abubarka 6/3 6/2.
And the Men’s singles, Emmanuel Micheal won with 7/6 (6) 6/2 against Okònkwo P.
(NSC Media)
